April 24, 2011

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 6

1. REAL SALT LAKE

2. RED BULL NEW YORK

Now this is the New York Red Bulls we've been looking for. The club finally flexed their muscles and choked their longtime rivals, D.C. United in their home stadium. To further express their class over United and how they could be one of the strongest clubs in MLS (yes, even more than Salt Lake), just take a look at what should be the Goal of the Year, thanks to Juan Agudelo.

3. LOS ANGELES GALAXY

It's good to have Becks and Donovan back. It's not good to be Troy Perkins today.

4. PHILADELPHIA UNION

Philly had the week off, so no changes in their ranking. I'd love to see the Union regain the Red Bulls as the top club in the East. Though I doubt the Union could spank United at RFK in the fashion the Red Bulls did.

5. NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION

MLSSocceer.com's Kyle McCarthy already believes that the Revs are contenders...for what? Playoffs? Shield? MLS Cup? It's clearly cause of Benny Feilhaber now in a Revs kit. I'm not convinced just yet they can do so much. My opinion, play convincingly against Philly and New York, and not to concede as softly as they did.

6. SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC

Sounders FC got an critical win in Colorado, but at an drastic price. Sounders FC forward, Steve Zakuani broke two bones in his shin, and will likely miss the rest of the season. Immediately, the question is who will fill the void, and where will the source of additional goals from other than Montero, come from.

7. FC DALLAS

Dallas' victory in Vancouver was a strange one to say the least: Ferriera missing a PK and leaving in the 55th on a rather odd injury. Still, it was relishing to see the Hoops win on the road, or well, do something on the road that wasn't a draw. If Ferriera is out for a while, FC Dallas is doomed for the year, and could end up being the RBNY '09 of '11.

8. COLORADO RAPIDS

Three wins, succeeded by three losses. It could be a swoon, and in the case against the Sounders, a string of bad luck from a misjudged tackle. It will be a rough go for the Rapids should MLS' Discipline Committee decides to prolong Drew Moor's suspension.

9. COLUMBUS CREW

Thanks to some sheer stupidity from Tony Tchani, the Crew are able to still say for another six months that the have the upper hand on Toronto.

10. SPORTING KANSAS CITY

Although Kansas City is last in the East, keep in mind that Sporting K.C. is on a ten-match road swing. During that time the Wizards (as a 'nickname', not official name) have managed to tally at least two goals a game, having a joint-lead of 10 goals the season. While Sporting is a league best in terms of scoring, they're a league worst when it comes to being scored on: allowing 12 goals in the 2011 campaign.

11. HOUSTON DYNAMO

This year may be an upswing at Houston, but I'm curious to see if the Dynamo are proud of drawing with the wrecked Chicago. Even if it was in Toyota Park.

12. VANCOUVER WHITECAPS

The Whitecaps, for an expansion team, are in an interesting position. Their consistently close games on home or on the road, regardless of the outcome make it tough to decide. I'll say though they had some luck at first against Dallas, but could pull it off in the end. Such acts will hurt them down the road in a very unpredictable inaugural MLS campaign.

13. CHIVAS USA

So, it has been confirmed. Chivas USA can actually play soccer. And in a tightly even Western Conference, they skyrocketed in the ranks, and power rankings.

14. D.C. UNITED

In light of United's largest drubbing at home since 2005, the Black-and-Red's designated player, Branko Boskovic...can play, and play exceptionally well. However, United would have been better off having traffic cones serve as their back line.

15. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

One might ask why San Jose is ranked lower than D.C. in the power rankings? After all, the 'Quakes did not lost to the Goats in the manner United lost to the Red Bulls. Well, first and foremost the Red Bulls are by far a stronger team than Chivas, and secondly the 'Quakes came into 2011 with heavier expectations that United.

16. PORTLAND TIMBERS
Tough times ahead for Troy Perkins John Spencer. Additionally, Spencer has a tough task ahead of him trying to make the Timbers have the same energy and effort on the road like they do at Jen Weld. And not just in Seattle.